Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa, Maldives, is delighted to announce its partnership with Sky Sports golf commentator and former pro-golfer, John E. Morgan, for a two week residency from 15th to 28th February 2019. John, who has played alongside legends including Tiger Woods, Vijay Singh and Fred Couples, is well known for his participation in the Open Championships, European Tour and PGA Tour. The talented golfer will be teaching guests during the two week residency and sharing his expertise on how to strike a hole in one in this paradisiacal setting.

The Golf Residency with John E. Morgan at Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa has been designed for golf enthusiasts of all levels and ages to enjoy whilst on property. Guests can take advantage of the resort’s impressive nine-hole, par three and four golf course. Nestled on seven and a half hectares of land at the southern end of Villingili Island, the course is the only one of its kind in the Maldives and has been designed with coconut-palms lining the fairways and stimulating challenges and vistas throughout. Guests are invited to perfect their technique through group classes and one-on-one sessions where John will share both his expertise and love of the sport.

Fun tournaments and activities will be hosted throughout the two week residency, including Beat the Pro sessions during which guests are invited to try to hit a drive closer to the hole than John, albeit with him using only one hand. Golf enthusiasts also stand the chance of winning the first-ever Mount Villingili Challenge by competing to strike a fish food golf ball into the turquoise azures of the Indian Ocean the furthest. Afterwards, guests can celebrate with a tailored Dine by Design experience atop Mount Villingili, toasting their golfing triumphs as they admire tropical views of the golf course and ocean beyond.

Commenting on his upcoming residency, John said: “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel to paradise and share my love of golf with guests at the renowned Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa. I’m looking forward to helping seasoned players improve their game and to introducing beginners to the sport, perhaps for the very first time. There will be lots of fun events taking place over the two weeks which I’m sure guests will enjoy!”

Other activities available at Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa include tennis, diving, snorkeling, coral planting, Maldivian night fishing and exploring the neighbouring islands and local village communities by bike.

The partnership with John E. Morgan is part of the ongoing Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa “Masters in Residence” programme, intended to bring experts from around the world in the fields of arts, sports, wellness, to name a few. This platform provides guests with the opportunity to engage with a scope of Masters of the world, in one of the most idyllic settings. Previous Masters include Royal Ballet trained dancer, Karis Scarlette, celebrity personal trainer and fitness influencer, Faisal Abdalla, meditation and mindfulness expert, Jody Shields, former multiple Grand Slam winner and former number-one tennis player, Jim Courier and the highly regarded marine biologist and underwater photographer, Uli Kunz. The resort also runs a training programme in partnership with LUX Tennis to offer guests personalised private tennis lessons and discovery sessions with qualified and experienced tennis professionals. Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa will be welcoming internationally acclaimed Zumba master, Steve Boedt, during the upcoming festive season.

Guests can book the Stay & Play with John E. Morgan package which starts from US$920++ (approx. £700) per person/night, including:

One on One personalised golf session with John E. Morgan for 45 minutes

Two golf workshops with John E. Morgan – one hour group sessions

One beat the pro session with John E. Morgan – one hour group session

Tea & Tee – A round of golf for two persons, followed by an afternoon tea at the golf course

One Dine by Design experience for two persons on Mount Villingili, the highest summit in the Maldives, overlooking the golf course, including wine pairing